After the recent roster update, Panthers management has realized that their could potentially be a log jam defensively for the 2004-05 Panthers. After acquiring Eric Brewer and Radek Martinek through off season trade, and Lyle Odelein, Marc Bergevin and Nolan Pratt through free agency, the Panthers could be looking to deal.

"We definitely set out this offseason to try and improve our defense, which was a weak point for us last year. We feel that we have accomplished that, especially adding Brewer and Odelein. Brewer gives us a defenseman to anchor our blueline for the future, and Odelein adds some much needed leadership to help the younger guys out. Maybe we signed one to many guys, but we couldnt turn down the possibility of adding some quality depth on defense for very cheap," commeneted General Manager Otten.

The Panthers are apparently looking to deal either Daniel Tjarnqvist or Stephane Quintal in exchange for possible scoring help, or for future help (such as picks or prospects)

If any GM should have an interest in adding either Tjarnqvist or Quintal (who can be valuable third pairing defenseman on a winning team), they can reach GM Otten at [email protected]

The Vancouver Canucks, in a similar position, have put young defencemen Dan Focht and Rick Berry on the market.

With Alexei Zhitnik, Karel Rachunek, Brian Pothier and Karlis Skrastins joining the defence, and Jiri Slegr, Steve McCarthy and David Tanabe returning, there are already seven defencemen higher than these two on the depth chart.

So if you have any inquiries on the younger, cheaper defencemen I have on the market in Rick Berry and Dan Focht, please contact me.